Support and training for families

If you want to form a permanent relationship with your foster child, Paths to Permanency (PDF) outlines different reimbursement options for foster families choosing between adoption or kinship.

Financial support for children is available to eligible families through a program called Northstar Care for Children. Various supports are available depending on a family's situation. Northstar Adoption Assistance or Northstar Kinship Assistance were enacted in 2015 to address the evolving needs of Minnesota families. A former program addressed adoptive families financial supports prior to 2015.

The North American Council on Adoptable Children is also under contact with DHS to help adoptive families by offering the Adoption Support Network, providing peer-led support groups and events for adoptive parents and adopted children.

Find adoption records and other options for mothers who cannot keep their babies

Find adoption records

Adoption records are confidential, but searches for birth family members can be initiated by an adopted individual 19 or older, genetic siblings 19 years or older of an adoptee, adoptive parents and birth parents. Begin a search for birth records DHS-6802 (PDF).

Options for mothers who cannot keep their babies

Mothers who are not able to care and provide for their child can consider placing their baby for adoption. Many organizations in Minnesota can help with this. In extreme situations, new mothers can leave their newborn up to seven days old at certain locations under the state's Safe Place for Newborns law.

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Terminology disclaimer
The terminology used to describe people with disabilities has changed over time. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (“Department”) supports the use of “People First” language. Although outmoded and offensive terms might be found within documents on the Department’s website, the Department does not endorse these terms.